Archive for the 'Auto' Category

2007 Lexus LS460

Lexus has redesigned its latest adaptation of its flagship sedan, the LS. In its 17th year of LS production, you could say Lexus has outdone itself…and maybe the competition. And in order to put itself in contention with the likes of the Mercedes S-class, the BMW 7 series, and the Audi A8/S8, Lexus has added a number of luxurious apppointments into the new LS. Lexus has also added a first-ever long wheel base version.

Many of the neat features include push button start, tuck away side mirrors (I have these on my car and probably play with them too often), rear seat massage (it might be time to hire that driver you’ve always wanted), a motorized 9-inch drop down screen for the rear passengers (of course), and a Gen V GPS system with a 30 GB hard drive. However the there are two more notable features in the LS.

First, the LS includes an 8-speed transmission, which has fewer moving parts than its 6-speed predecessor using about the same amount of space. Why an 8-speed? Well, fuel and engine efficiency are definite advantages of having the transmission shift at earlier RPM levels. This is also the case with the recent utilization and improvement of CVT transmissions. Second is the nifty automatic parallel parking feature. Using bumper-mounted sonar and a rear camera, the LS will stuff itself into that curbside parking space that you refuse to park in for fear of bumping into someone.

While all of these “neat” things might seem like overkill, not to mention the over/under bets you could wager on how many of these things will break before your warranty is up, Lexus has proven itself in recent years as producing quality automobiles. This confidence shouldn’t change with the new LS. Personally, I still prefer a Mercedes, and probably a BMW, to a Lexus. Perhaps I should change my mind.

See the car for yourself in this TheWeekendDrive.com podcast.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Meet the Ariel Atom

With the rebirth of the supercar in the last few years, many categories of automobiles (sedans, SUVs, trucks, etc) have received that extra boost of horsepower to stay the competition. All of a sudden, 500 hp has become the new 300 hp. But do you really need all of that power to go fast…to elevate your driving experience? Well, perhaps not in a practical form.

Popularity: 4% [?]